210 - World History

two semester course

This survey of human history is required of all Freshmen. It is a chronological and topical study of humankind's social and political development from the beginning of written records through the 20th century. 

The first semester will begin with the earliest river valley civilizations and move through an overview of early Asian, African, and Native American history, to a more detailed examination of ancient Greece and Rome. Study of the major religions of the world is included in this first semester. 

The course then examines Europe's Middle Ages as a transition between ancient and modern times. The second semester examines the European exploration, the colonization of Asia, Africa and the Americas. It also explores the development of modern political systems and nation-states. It examines the social, political and industrial revolutions of the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries. The course concludes with the two world wars and an examination of the world since 1945. 

Instructors: Mr. Greg Glenn, Ms. Jacquelyn Lesiak, Mrs. Sarah Mlnarik 

Course Materials:

• World History (Survey Edition with one-year access code)
• Prentice Hall School

212 - Honors World History       

two semester course

This is a full-year course is designed for Freshmen who are self-motivated students who enjoy social studies and would benefit from more in depth reading, investigation, analysis, and writing of history. It is a chronological and topical study of humankind’s social and political development from the beginning of written records through the 20th century. Students will derive an understanding of global processes and contacts/interactions of different cultures over the past 5000 years, drawing comparisons between major societies within the thematic contexts of change, continuity, causes and consequences

• This course extends the requirements of World History 210 through additional readings and assignments. College level study skills such as text book reading, note taking, historical document analysis, map interpretation, critical thinking, and essay writing will be emphasized.   Placement is determined by the school.
• The first semester will begin with the earliest river valley civilizations and move through an overview of early Asian, African, and Native American history, to a more detailed examination of Greece and Rome. Study of the major religions of the world is included in this first semester.
• The course then examines Europe’s Middle Ages as a transition between ancient and modern times. The second semester examines the European exploration, the colonization of Asia, Africa, and the Americas. It also explores the development of modern political systems and nation-states. It examines the social, political, and industrial revolutions of the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries. The course concludes with the two world wars and an examination of the world since 1945.
• Placement in course will be based upon entrance exam results, junior high grades, writing sample and teacher recommendations. 

Instructor: Ms. Jacquelyn Lesiak 

Course Materials:

• World History (Survey Edition with one-year access code), Prentice Hall School                               

215 - Geography 

one semester course

Geography is a Social Studies elective offered to all Freshmen and Sophomores. It is an interactive and intensive study of World Geography. The physical and human geography of every part of the world will be covered, as well as study some basic geographic concepts. In this course, the world is broken into seven distinct regions which will be covered in depth: Latin America, Europe and Russia, Africa, Southwest and Central Asia, Monsoon Asia, Oceania and Antarctica, and Canada and the United States. It will look at each region through a “magnifying glass,” so to speak, always keeping an open mind to traditions and cultures that are different from our own. One goal of the course is to come into a deeper understanding of our own place in the world after studying the rest of it. 

Instructor: Mr. Kevin Van Winkle 

Course Materials:

• Geography Alive! Regions and People (High School Edition), Hart, 2006 Teacher Curriculum Institute

219 - AP Human Geography

one semester course

The purpose of the AP Human Geography course is to introduce students to the systematic study of patterns and processes that have shaped human understanding, use, and alteration of the Earth’s surface. Students employ spatial concepts and landscape analysis to examine human social organization and its environmental consequences. They also learn about the methods and tools geographers use in their science and practice. Additionally, the course will address how one can apply the characteristics of the Graduate at Graduation in a global context. 

Instructor: Mr. Kevin Van Winkle 

Course Materials:

• The Cultural Landscape: An Introduction to Human Geography, (10^th Edition), Rubenstein, 2011, Prentice Hall Publishing

220 - United States History

two semester course

This survey of American History is open to juniors who have completed the World History course. United States History investigates the political, social, and economic history of the American people from the Age of Exploration to the present. Major events such as the American Revolution, the Constitutional Convention, the Civil War, and the two World Wars receive special emphasis. Classes explore such recurring issues as revolution, depression, race relations, imperialism, and civil rights in their historical setting. All students must complete this course in order to graduate from Prep. 

Instructors: Mr. Greg Glenn, Mr. Tom Haindfield, Mrs. Kim Meyer, Mr. Mike Shreves 

Course Materials:

NOTE: Students in Mr. Shreves Class are required to have American Courage, 2005, Warden, Harper Publishing

• American Vision (8^th Edition), Appleby, McGraw-Hill Publishing

225 - Native American Studies

one semester course

This semester long course will examine the history of the Native Americans of the United States from the pre-Columbian period to the present. Special emphasis will be placed on the history of Native Americans from the late 18th through the twentieth centuries. The course will examine the impact of various Native American tribes, nations and cultures, as well as their social and political relations with other Native Americans and with white American society and government. The text will be supplemented with outside readings, visual presentations and guest speakers. It is open to all sophomores, juniors and seniors.  

Instructor: Mr. Greg Glenn 

Course Materials:

• The Earth Shall Weep, Wilson, 1998, Perseus Books Group

229 - AP United States History

two semester course

This course is designed for students in the upper quarter of the junior class. It is a college-level survey of U.S. History from 1600 to the present. Particular attention is paid to developing note taking and analytical skills necessary for college, and students will also have an opportunity to improve their writing and research skills. A national exam is offered in the spring for students wishing to obtain college credit. This course satisfies Creighton Prep’s U.S. History graduation requirement. Course can be taken for dual enrollment credit. Prerequisite: Instructor Approval

Instructor: Mr. Tom Haindfield 

Course Materials:  

• American Pageant (14^th Edition), Kennedy, Wadsworth Publishing

230 - Special Topics in History

one semester course

The first installment of this one-semester course is the Cold War. It will give students who are interested in studying history a better understanding of the American experience in the Cold War, 1945-1992. Particular attention will be given to the origins of the Cold War, the policy of containment, the period of détente, and the conclusion of the Cold War. This course will be offered 1st semester only. Course opened to juniors and seniors. This course does not fulfill graduation requirement in Social Studies. 

Instructor: Mr. Tom Haindfield 

Course Materials:

• The Cold War, Gaddis, 2006, Penguin

237 - American Government

one semester course

This course surveys the American System of government, the Constitution and the Federal System, citizenship, civil rights, political parties and the election processes, public opinion and the pressure groups. The powers and duties of Congress, the President, and the Supreme Court will also be covered. 

Instructors: Mr. Tom Haindfield, Mr. Dave Powers, Mr. Kevin Van Winkle 

Course Materials:  

• Magruder’s American Government, McClenaghan,, 2006, Prentice Hall School

239 - AP American Government

one semester course (1^st semester only)       

This course is designed for students who have an interest in American politics or possible related careers to this study area. Students will have many opportunities to discuss and debate historical and contemporary issues and events. Research and writing position papers will be a major focus for class. 

Instructor:   Mr. Dave Powers 

Course Materials:

• Government in America (AP Edition/14^th Edition), Edwards, 2009, Pearson

240 - General Psychology

one semester course

This is an introductory course explaining the basic concepts of human behavior and psychological development. The main goals of this course are to provide the student with an understanding of psychological terms and various theoretical aspects of human personality. Through lectures, class discussions and field trips, special emphasis will be place on providing practical applications of psychology. Classroom conducted activities will be used to reinforce content from the text used.

Instructor:   Mr. Dave Powers 

Course Materials:  

• Exploring Psychology (8^th Edition), Myers, 2011, Worth Publishing  
• Exploring Psychology Study Guide (Workbook), (8^th Edition), Myers, 2011, Worth Publishing

249 - AP Psychology

one semester course (second semester only)

This course is open to upperclassmen and sophomores. It would be beneficial for students to have completed General Psychology - but it is not a prerequisite. The course will emphasize the current directions that college psychology classes are taking today - in preparation for the AP exam. Experimentation in and outside the classroom conducted activities will be used to reinforce content from readings and discussions. Course can be taken for dual enrollment credit.  

Instructor:   Mr. Dave Powers 

Course Materials:

• Psychology (AP Edition), Zimbardo, 2007, Pearson

260 - Economics

one semester course

This course is a required single semester class that offers an introduction into the principles and practices of fundamental economics. Most of this course can be broken up into three parts; economic concepts, microeconomics, and macroeconomics. The economic concepts portion of this class will cover areas such as scarcity and choice, opportunity costs, productivity, economic systems, and economic institutions. Microeconomics analyzes the interactions of individual consumers (households) and producers (firms) in specific markets (e.g., the market for shoes). Macroeconomics focuses at the national level through examining the determination of important national variables, such as the level and rate of growth of output (GDP), the rate of inflation, the level of unemployment, as well as flows of imports and exports and the balance of trade. 

Instructor:   Mr. Jonas Luedtke, Mr. Connor Irish 

Course Materials:

• Economics: Principles & Practices, Clayton, 2005, McGraw-Hill 
• Economics of Public Issues (15^th Edition), Miller, 2008, Pearson

269 - Microeconomics

one semester course

In accordance with the College Board, the purpose of this AP course in Microeconomics is to provide a thorough understanding of the principles of economics that apply to the functions of individual decision makers, both consumers and producers, within the larger economic system. It places primary emphasis on the nature and functions of product markets, and includes the study of factor markets and of the role of government in promoting greater efficiency and equity in the economy. This is a single semester course which will provide preparation for students taking the AP Microeconomic College Board exam for potential post high school credits. 

Instructor:   Mr. Jonas Luedtke 

Course Materials:

281 - Practical Law

one semester course

This course is perfect for students who are considering a career in law or law enforcement, or just interested in our legal system. Practical Law is an interactive course that focuses on legal issues that   apply to the lives of students today. This course will help students develop the knowledge and skills essential in our law-related society. 

Instructor:   Mr. Mike Shreves 

Course Materials:

• Street Law: A Course in Practical Law (7^th Edition), Arbetman, 2004, McGraw-Hill/Glenco Publishing

282 – Sociology Workshop                           

one semester course

Students taking Theology course #182 (Theology Workshop Plus) must register for this course.